HunterLocalNews

The new cases have been recorded across five local government areas.

The new cases are in Port Stephens, Maitland and Lake Macquarie.

After a call out on Facebook, organisers were flooded with books, board games, play doh and stationary from members of the community who wanted to help.

Health authorities are aware there was "a lot of mixing" and that other residents are now symptomatic.

The Lower Hunter Rural Fire Service is reminding residents in these areas to keep windows and doors closed, remove washing from clothes lines and ensure pets are in a protected area.

Three of the new cases in Heatherbrae, New Lambton & Armidale were infectious while in the community.

Due to the ongoing statewide lockdowns, the rite of passage trip will be undertaken virtually, visiting some of the biggest museums, galleries and institutes over five days.

Dr Melissa Collogan says setting up the vaccination hub is in response to the recent positive COVID case in the suburb as well as the low vaccination rates.

A number of new exposure sites have been listed overnight by Hunter New England Health across Lake Macquarie and Port Stephens.

The new cases are across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.